Night-clubbers and bar-goers are being warned by police not to use the streets as " their own personal boxing ring" this Christmas in a crack down on alcohol related crime.

Thousands of people will celebrate Christmas and New Year by hitting the bars and clubs in Grimsby and Cleethorpes next month, but both Humberside Police and the council have issued a stark warning to revellers to take it easy on the booze - or face the consequences.

NELC have kicked off their annual Think Safe, Drink Safe campaign for the festive season, and have joined police in Grimsby in urging people not to overdo it whilst out partying.

The authorities are specifically warning people about the dangers of so-called 'pre-loading', or drinking heavily before a night out on the town, which is often used by people to save money.

Police say that pre-drinking can lead to people being left vulnerable

It is claimed that having six or more drinks at home before going out makes you twice as likely to experience violence during a night out by the council, who want people to not take risks by drinking too much.

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Meanwhile the police have issued advice on how to stay safe whilst out partying on the town and is asking people to "drink in moderation" to prevent against being left in a state of vulnerability.

Sergeant Ian Goode, from Humberside Police’s alcohol licensing team, has also warned revellers to "expect to be prosecuted" if they are found to be using the town centre as "their own personal boxing ring or toilet".

NELC statistics show that about half of all crime committed in North East Lincolnshire is linked to alcohol.

They claim that harmful drinking is seen as one of the biggest risk factors for death, ill-health and disability among people aged 15 to 49 year olds in the UK.

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After pre-drinking, revellers have often found that they are declined entry to their favourite bars and clubs, with some people ending up in police custody after alcohol-related violence or risk-taking behaviour.

Sergeant Goode, said: "We acknowledge that there has been a recent change in drinking culture, whereby pre-drinking strong alcohol before leaving home can result in people becoming more vulnerable during a night out.

"As a result the police licensing team work with partners, operators and further education establishments to deliver vulnerability training around the dangers of alcohol and the effects it can have on behaviour.

A generic photo of friends drinking at a Christmas party. Police and the council want people to enjoy themselves safely over the festive period

"We want to see people enjoying themselves, but I urge people to take basic precautions when going out over the upcoming festive period.

"Stay close to friends and only use official private hire or hackney carriages and, if possible, book your taxi before going out.

"Keep your taxi money separate so that you are not tempted to spend it and make sure you have a charged mobile phone with you. Drink in moderation and pace yourself.